California less hard-hit in flu outbreaks

HEALTH

Associated Press

Updated 11:11 pm, Friday, January 11, 2013

New York --

California is one of only three states in which flu is not widespread this year, as the nation grapples with an earlier-than-normal season. But there was one bit of good news Friday: The number of hard-hit areas declined.

Flu season started early this winter and includes a strain that tends to make people sicker. The latest numbers, however, hint that the flu season may already have peaked in some spots.

Flu was widespread in 47 states last week, up from 41 the week before, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Besides California, the only states without widespread flu are Mississippi and Hawaii.

The number of hard-hit states, where larger numbers of people were treated for flu-like illness, fell to 24 from 29. "Only time will tell how moderate or severe this flu season will be," said CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.

Nationally, 20 children have died from the flu. There is no tally of adult deaths, but the CDC estimates that the flu kills about 24,000 people in an average year.

Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older. It is not too late to get vaccinated.

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